Resistance Band Boxing Fitness Device

ABSTRACT

A boxing fitness device has a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso and having a support panel, a resistance band apparatus having an anchor panel and resistance bands connected to the anchor panel, and a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxing motion. The handles may be connected to gloves or to a handle that has holders for controllers for a virtual reality system. The various components are interchangeable and adaptable to customize at least the weight, positioning, and resistance provided by the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/730,740 filed Sep. 13, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a fitness product, and, moreparticularly, to a resistance band boxing fitness device.

BACKGROUND

In order to effectively teach boxing and correct boxing form, it isimportant to teach boxers how to move correctly. Shadow boxing is themost popular form of teaching boxing movements. However, there is a lackof equipment that augments or assists in shadow boxing training. Boxerssometimes hold hand weights or wrist weights, but these are all verticalloads that tend to weigh too heavily on the hand and wrist toeffectively train proper movement. There is nothing currently in themarket that provides resistance to punches and provides a product toimprove form and increase efficiency of boxing punches. There is a needfor a device that develops speed and punching power without having tostrike anything, reducing the possibility for hand injury, whileincreasing the potential for strength and stamina used while shadowboxing.

In addition to being a training tool, shadow boxing can be incorporatedinto the growing area of virtual reality (VR) exercise and boxing.Fitness and boxing virtual reality programs have been developed to allowusers to physically recreate various scenarios, including a boxingmatch. Virtual reality as a form for exercise is very new and thetechnology is still developing. Thus, there is also a need for productsthat can be used with a VR system to augment and enhance a VR boxingexperience.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a boxing fitnessdevice. The boxing fitness device includes a wearable portion configuredto be worn on the torso and including a support panel, a resistance bandapparatus including an anchor panel and resistance bands connected tothe anchor panel, and a pair of handles connected to the resistancebands and configured to be held by a user such that the resistance bandsprovide resistance to a boxing motion.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be madeapparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are bestunderstood from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentsthat are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed.Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a sketch showing an exemplary embodiment of the resistanceband boxing fitness device;

FIG. 2 is a picture showing a front side of the resistance band boxingfitness device;

FIG. 3 is a front-side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxingfitness device;

FIG. 4 is a back-side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxingfitness device; and

FIG. 5 is side view of a user wearing the resistance band boxing fitnessdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a device that augments and enhances ashadow boxing or VR boxing training session, assisting in training theuser in a combination of boxing technique and speed. The device improvesspeed of punching and builds strength and conditioning. The deviceincludes a vest, resistance bands, and handles. The vest, in someembodiments, is made with mesh compression material that providesstructure and support. In some embodiments, the vest includes multiplelayers. There are, for example, two pounds per layer such that the usercan choose the number of layers to wear. The vest is integrated with aresistance band apparatus. The resistance band apparatus is connected tothe back of the weighted vest (e.g., with hook and loop fasteners). Theresistance bands connect between the resistance band apparatus and thehandles. The handles may be held by a user and/or integrated into aglove that is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the vest includes abuilt-in compression jersey.

The combination device functions to provide resistance to hand movementsby connecting a resistance band to the hand area of the user andresisting a punching movement due to the anchoring of the resistanceband to the vest worn by the user. The various components areinterchangeable and customizable in order to adapt to different usersand situations. For example, the vest includes different layers that maybe combined or separated in order to vary the weight worn by the user.The resistance bands are removable and interchangeable to adjust theresistance and/or length to fit the user. The handles can be adjustedbetween hand-held devices and/or different-sized gloves to accommodatedifferent users and uses. In use, with the resistance bands secured atthe users hands and to a support panel of the wearable portion, the useris configured to perform boxing or shadow boxing movements that areresisted by the resistance bands.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a resistant bandboxing fitness device 100, including separate but related components.The device 100 includes a wearable portion 10, a resistance bandapparatus 20, and a pair of handles 30. The wearable portion 10 may bein the form of a vest, shirt, jacket, etc. that is worn on the torso ofa user. The wearable portion 10 may include multiple vest layers 12A,12B, 12C, each with their own associated weight (e.g., 2 lbs. each,multiples of each other—2 lb., 4 lb., etc.). In some embodiments, thewearable portion 10 includes a compression shirt or jersey 12D thatconforms to the user. The wearable portion 10 may be made from neoprenematerial with a polyester and cotton compression blend.

In one embodiment, in order to secure the wearable portion 10 to a user,plastic straps 14 and a connecting apparatus 16 are weaved into the vestto secure the straps 14 to each other. In one exemplary embodiment, thewearable portion 10 is a vest with three layers (12A, 12B, 12C, one fourpound vest which is a secure and snug base layer, a second two poundweighted vest and an additional four pound weighted vest layer.

The wearable portion 10 includes a support panel 18 positioned at a backportion thereof. In the multi-layer embodiment, a base layer 12A mayinclude the support panel 18. The support panel 18 is configured toconnect to the resistance band apparatus 20 to create an anchor sectionfor the resistance bands 22. The resistance band apparatus 20 mayinclude an anchor panel 24 that is connectable to the support panel 18.The connection may be removable via an attachment mechanism (e.g.,through hook and loop fasteners, a belt loop or strap, etc.) orpermanent (e.g., through stitching, gluing, etc.).

The resistance band apparatus 20 further includes a pair of resistancebands 22 that are connectable to the anchor panel 24. The connection maybe removable to allow the resistance bands to be interchangeable. Insome embodiments, the resistance bands 22 may be “speed cords”specifically adapted for a boxing application. The resistance bands 22are connectable to the handles 30.

The handles 30 are configured to be held at the hands of the user. Thehandles 30 may be plastic and are interchangeable either for hand-helduse in shadow boxing, as shown, or grips with attachments for the VRcontrollers to clip into. In some embodiments, the handles 30 areintegrated with and/or connected to gloves 40. This arrangement enablesadditional weights to be used in the gloves for a more intense workout,while maintaining a connection between their hands and the wearableportion 10 through the resistance bands 22. The handles 30 may includean attachment channel 32 for receiving a resistance band 22. Theattachment channel 32 may be positioned at a front wrist portion of ahandle 30 in the form of a glove.

In some embodiments, the handles 30 are controllers for a VR system. Forexample, the handles may be adapted to include holders for VRcontrollers to be clipped into so that the VR controllers becomeconnected to the wearable portion 10 through the resistance bands andthe adapted handles. In some embodiments, the handles 30 may includesensors or other devices to monitor hand speed, punch count and durationof the workout.

FIG. 2 is a depiction the front view of the device 100, with thewearable portion 10, the resistance bands 22 of the resistance bandapparatus 20, and the handles 30 integrated into gloves 40. Theresistance bands 22 form a loop that extend from the anchor panel 24,through a channel 32 in the handles 30, and return back to the anchorpanel 24. Thus, an upper and lower resistance band segment is formed,each of which resist movement when the handle 30 is moved further awayfrom the wearable portion 10, such as during a punching movement.

FIGS. 3-5 are depictions of various views of a user wearing theresistance band boxing fitness device 100, according to a disclosedembodiment. In this embodiment, the handles 30 are integrated with thegloves 40 that are worn by the user. The gloves 40 are also configuredto match a realistic boxing environment because boxers wear glovesduring competition. The handles 30, in other embodiments, may simply beheld by the user.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in an embodiment the ends of the resistancebands 22 may be removably attached (e.g., clipped) to an anchoringmember 26 on the anchor panel 24. The anchoring member 26 may include aplurality of spaced channels that allow ends of the resistance bands 22to be secured. The resistance bands may include oversized end portions28 that resist movement in the channels and lock the resistance bands inplace. The anchoring member 26 may include a plurality of spaced optionsfor locating the resistance bands, in order to customize the anchoringlocation of the resistance bands.

The resistance band boxing fitness device 100 is configured to enhanceand augment a shadow boxing session in order to require additionaleffort for each punch. The resistance provides a greater workout andhelps to more closely mimic boxing against an opponent or against a bag,as the hand is naturally pulled back or stopped by the resistance band,as opposed to merely punching air. The integration of a holder for VRcontrollers also allows the device to be used in a VR environment inwhich a boxing match or other boxing training session is simulated.

The elements of the figures are not exclusive. Other embodiments may bederived in accordance with the principles of the invention to accomplishthe same objectives. Although this invention has been described withreference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that theembodiments and variations shown and described herein are forillustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may beimplemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from thescope of the invention.

1. A boxing fitness device, comprising: a wearable portion configured tobe worn on the torso and comprising a support panel; a resistance bandapparatus comprising an anchor panel and resistance bands connected tothe anchor panel a pair of handles connected to the resistance bands andconfigured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provideresistance to a boxing motion.
 2. The boxing fitness device of claim 1,wherein wearable portion includes multiple layers.
 3. The boxing fitnessdevice of claim 1, wherein the wearable portion is a weighted vest. 4.The boxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the resistance bandapparatus comprises an anchoring member configured to removably connectto the resistance bands.
 5. The boxing fitness device of claim 4,wherein the anchoring member comprises a plurality of channelsconfigured to receive a portion of a resistance band.
 6. The boxingfitness device of claim 1, wherein the anchor panel is removablyconnectable to the support panel.
 7. The boxing fitness device of claim6, wherein the anchor panel and the support panel are removablyconnected using hook and loop fasteners.
 8. The boxing fitness device ofclaim 1, wherein the handles are each connected to a glove.
 9. Theboxing fitness device of claim 1, wherein the handles comprise a channelthrough which a resistance band is configured to extend.
 10. The boxingfitness device of claim 1, wherein the handles comprise holders forcontrollers for a virtual reality system.
 11. A boxing fitness device,comprising: a wearable portion configured to be worn on the torso andcomprising a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the layerscomprises a support panel configured to be positioned at a back of thetorso when the wearable portion is worn; a resistance band apparatuscomprising an anchor panel attached to the support panel and a pluralityof resistance bands removably connected to the anchor panel; and a pairof handles connected to the resistance bands and configured to be heldby a user such that the resistance bands provide resistance to a boxingmotion.
 12. The boxing fitness device of claim 11, wherein at least twoof the plurality of layers have different weights from each other. 13.The boxing fitness device of claim 12, wherein one layer weighs twice asmuch as another layer.
 14. The boxing fitness device of claim 11,wherein one of the plurality of layers is a compression layer comprisinga mesh compression material.
 15. The boxing fitness device of claim 11,wherein the anchor panel comprises a plurality of spaced channels forreceiving one of the plurality of resistance bands.
 16. The boxingfitness device of claim 16, wherein the resistance bands includeoversized end portions that resist movement in the channels and lock theresistance bands in place.
 17. The boxing fitness device of claim 16,wherein the anchoring panel comprises a plurality of spaced channeloptions for locating the resistance bands enabling selection of ananchoring location of the plurality of resistance bands.
 18. The boxingfitness device of claim 11, wherein the pair of handles are controllersfor a virtual reality system.
 19. The boxing fitness device of claim 11,wherein the pair of handles comprise one or more sensors configured tomonitor hand speed, punch count and duration of a workout.
 20. A boxingfitness system, comprising: a wearable portion configured to be worn onthe torso and comprising a plurality of layers, wherein at least two ofthe plurality of layers have different weights from each other, andwherein at least one of the layers comprises a support panel configuredto be positioned at a back of the torso when the wearable portion isworn, the support panel comprising an attachment mechanism; a resistanceband apparatus comprising an anchor panel removably attached to thesupport panel via the attachment mechanism and a plurality of resistancebands removably connected to the anchor panel through placement in oneor more spaced channels protruding from the anchor panel, therebyanchoring the plurality of resistance bands at the back of the torso;and a pair of handles connected to ends of the resistance bands andconfigured to be held by a user such that the resistance bands provideresistance to a boxing motion, wherein the handles are each removablyattached to one of a pair of gloves for wearing on the hands.